Costco members have many reasons to visit the bulk retailer: For some, it’s saving money by buying large quantities. For others, it’s the cult-favorite hot dogs. And plenty of people love it for the affordable Kirkland-brand gas at locations that have an accompanying gas station.
According to the Orange County Register, Costco will soon debut its first stand-alone gas station — also its largest — in Mission Viejo, a city in Orange County. The 40-pump gas station is slated to be about 2 miles from its nearest retail outlet and accessible to Costco members only.
The planned location for the new gas station is at the Mission Viejo Freeway Center, at 25732 El Paseo, just off Interstate 5. It’s part of a busy shopping area that includes major retailers like Krispy Kreme, Petco and Best Buy.
According to the Register, city spokesperson Robert Schick says the city approved the overall plans, which will include the demolition of a shuttered Bed Bath & Beyond, in March. Grading and building permits are in review, and construction is expected to begin in the fall. Costco is reportedly aiming for a spring 2026 opening.
While it may be a smart move to open next to a busy freeway, the Register notes that Costco’s stand-alone gas station goes against the grain in a couple of ways: First, it swims upstream against the trend of electric-powered cars, and second, the vast majority of gas stations have an accompanying store, which accounts for most of their revenue.